The news of the biggest acquisition in Ottawa 67’s franchise history travelled all the way to the United Soccer League’s Winter Summit in Tampa, Fla.

So Ottawa Fury GM Julian de Guzman had to chuckle just a little when asked what kind of splash he was going before getting around to giving his plan.

“We are super adamant on some players we want,” said de Guzman, by conference call Wednesday after re-upping with the Fury on a new three-year contract. “We are very high on some people.

“And there’s a good chance we could add a handful of players before the New Year. And these players are difference-makers.

“It’s been an on-going process to pin-point the players we want. Now we are high on some very important people. I am confident in the next while we will be signing the type of players who will bring us success.”

If de Guzman delivers, that would be welcome news to the Fury Faithful and the first step in building on the core fan group.

The club just about cleaned house following a disappointing and transitional 2018 season, the first under de Guzman as GM and Nikola Popovic as head coach.

The team did manage to stay in playoff contention until late into the fall though they never pout together a stretch run to seriously take a shot at any of the eight playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

Days after the season finish, upwards of 15 veterans were told they wouldn’t be coming back and the search was on for replacements.

So the search has extended far and wide for USL free agents though not as far as Europe, said de Guzman.

“It’s always a tricky thing,” he said. “Some people want to venture into other markets, like Europe.

“I have personally learned that it doesn’t always go well. For one thing, with players in the European market, there’s the cost. Then you have to find the right players who realize what the USL is about and want to be part of it.

“So most of the players we are looking at are ones that have had success in the USL and know what it is all about and how it keeps bettering better and better.

“And most of the ones we are looking at have played (in Ottawa) against us so they know what this franchise is all about. It’s not like I have to tell someone over the phone what Ottawa has to offer.”

As for the new contract, the term carries de Guzman through the 2021 season, which will expand his relationship with the Fury FC to eight seasons, beginning in 2015 as a player, then assistant coach for a half season, then interim head coach and GM midway through 2017 to full time GM from last off-season in 2018 through the duration of his extension.

The Canadian soccer legend never figured on staying in Ottawa that long.

“When I came here as a player in 2015 I thought it would have been for just a short visit,” said de Guzman. “But I fell in love with everything about Ottawa and I’m still here.

“My experience here as been a bit of a roller coaster from player to assistant coach to head coach to GM. But I have allowed myself to grow into the position.

“Over the years I have seen the franchise develop and I want this to be a very professional environment.

“We created a culture in 2018 as we worked on that and we have a strong core of players to build on. That core is just as hungry for success as we are.”

Retaining de Guzman was something on a no-brainer for the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, the parent owners of the Fury.

The franchise needs stability and needs to grow in short order.

“Julian is fully committed to this club and its long-term success, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch him grow as a general manager and lead Ottawa Fury FC,” said Mark Goudie, OSEG CEO. “When you hear Julian’s story it is about passion and sacrifice. He left home at an early age to play with and learn from the best players in the world.

“He has been able to bring that experience back to Canada as both a player and, now, as a general manager. There is nobody in Canada who is more committed to solidifying professional soccer in Ottawa and to giving back to the local soccer community.”

During his playing career, de Guzman participated in four cycles of FIFA World Cup qualifiers and six editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, while playing in France, Germany, Spain, Greece, the United States and Canada.

Ottawa Fury FC is getting ready for their sixth season as a professional club, and their third in USL Championship as action is set to begin over the weekend of March 8-10, 2019.

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